The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 4th June) Popey – Why wouldn't Archie want to leave this Summer
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 4th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Popey - Why wouldn't Archie want to leave this Summer
Elland Road journalist Adam Pope believes it's inevitable that Archie Gray will leave Leeds Utd for pastures new this Summer, and could follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham. The straight talking BBC presenter / commentator, was discussing the 18yo's untimely departure on his 'Don't go to bed quite yet' podcast with fellow reporter Jonny Buchan and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix.
Popey believes that despite the family history, Archie will want to be playing at the highest level, and he's not going to get that at Leeds Utd. He spoke of the importance of not just securing the right price, but plenty on add-ons too, which they could benefit from in the future!
He’s given his all this year. He was still the best player on the pitch, I felt, for Leeds in the final. So he’s given his all, he’ll want to play at the best level, and I think the Bellingham thing, I know he’s a monstrosity isn’t he, but Archie is so so good so why wouldn’t you want to go and play at the highest level? Because Leeds aren’t going to provide that for you in the short term. So what you then ask is what’s he worth? What do you sell him for? What’s an acceptable price? What is Archie Gray worth?
Can Leeds woo Johnson to ER
Leeds Utd, Crystal Palace and Scottish giants Rangers are locked in battle for the signature of contract rebel Ben Johnson. Leeds have been in desperate need of a decent left back ever since Charlie Taylor left for Burnley seven years ago. Johnson 24, can actually play anywhere across the back line, and has the pedigree of being a former England U21.
He rose through the ranks at West Ham, representing their U18s, U21s, before breaking into their first team during their 2018/19 campaign, and has gone on to play 109 times for the East London outfit. The Hammers refused his £60,000 per week wage demands, causing contract negotiations to stall, which led to there being bad blood between both parties. Leeds have been following his progress for a while, and will turn to turn on the charm if they are to get their man!
Leeds in limbo over Wober comments
Leeds defender Max Wober has refused to discuss his future until after the European Championships, which kick off in Germany next week. The 26 year old, who spurned the Leeds Captaincy last Summer, in favour of joining Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan, has made it clear he wants to focus his efforts on Austria, and doesn't want to hear from his agent until after the competition.
He has three years left on his four and a half year deal, having joined the Whites in January 2023 for £11m. He impressed straight away, but with so many players out of sorts was unable to save them from relegation. Similarly, Wober starred in the Bundesliga last season. According to Whoscored, the 6ft 2' defender came second in the Mönchengladbach rankings with a respectable 6.84 ranking.
Generally speaking, Leeds transfer dealings are very poor; for every good signing, there's aleast five bad ones. When they do uncover a gem, they need to make it count! Selling him for what we bought him for does not represent good business!